TMJ Treatment in Yakima WA

Ever feel like your jaw is clicking, locking, or just won’t cooperate? You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. Those issues often point to a problem with your temporomandibular joint, better known as the TMJ in Yakima WA. And while it might sound like just a little jaw pain, this small joint can cause big problems when it’s not working right.

As oral surgeons at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we don’t just treat TMJ disorders—we help people get their lives (and their bites) back. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or just beginning to notice symptoms, there’s a reason your jaw is trying to get your attention.

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What Is the TMJ in Yakima WA?

Let’s break it down: the temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the base of your skull. It's one of the most complex joints in your body, responsible for helping you chew, talk, yawn, and even laugh. It acts like a sliding hinge, and because it moves in multiple directions, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

When this joint—or the muscles and discs around it—stop functioning correctly, the result is called TMJ disorder or TMD.

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Common TMJ Symptoms (That You Shouldn’t Ignore)

TMD can show up in different ways, and sometimes it doesn’t even feel like it’s coming from your jaw at all. Here are a few signs that something may be off:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden change in how your bite feels
• Headaches, especially around the temples
• Earaches or a feeling of pressure in the ears
• Jaw that locks open or closed
• Facial pain, especially near the jawline

It’s easy to assume these symptoms are unrelated or just temporary, but left untreated, they can become chronic and significantly impact your quality of life.

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What Causes TMJ Disorders in Yakima WA?

TMJ problems don’t usually have a single cause. In fact, it’s often a combination of factors that leads to dysfunction. Some of the most common include:

• Jaw misalignment or bite issues
• Grinding or clenching (especially at night)
• Arthritis in the joint
• Stress-related muscle tension
• Previous injury to the jaw or face
• Disc displacement inside the joint

Whatever the cause, the goal is always the same: restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.

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Diagnosis: It’s Not Guesswork

When you visit our office with TMJ concerns, we don’t just poke around and send you home with a mouthguard. We use a combination of physical exams, digital imaging, and jaw movement analysis to pinpoint exactly what’s going on.

This may include:

• 3D CBCT scans to visualize the bones and joint structure
• TMJ range-of-motion testing
• Muscle and bite evaluation
• Review of any contributing habits or conditions (like bruxism or arthritis)

The more we know about your joint and muscle function, the more targeted and effective your treatment will be.

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TMJ Treatment Options That Get Results

Not every TMJ case requires surgery. In fact, most don’t. Our first priority is always to treat your symptoms with the least invasive option possible while still addressing the root cause.

Here’s what your treatment plan may include:

Custom Oral Appliances
These are far more advanced than over-the-counter nightguards. A custom-fit orthotic can reposition your jaw, reduce muscle tension, and relieve joint pressure, especially at night when clenching is most likely.

• Medication Management
  Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or even low-dose antidepressants (to treat nerve-related pain) can be effective for short-term relief.
• Bite Adjustment or Orthodontic Referral
  In cases where a misaligned bite is contributing to the issue, we may coordinate with your dentist or orthodontist to correct the imbalance long-term.
• Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises
  We often recommend guided exercises to improve jaw mobility, strengthen muscles, and break the cycle of dysfunction.
• Botox® for TMJ
  In some cases, small doses of Botox can relax overactive jaw muscles, reducing tension and pain. This approach is especially helpful for patients who grind their teeth at night or clench during the day.

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When TMJ Surgery Becomes the Best Option

If conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief—or if your imaging shows advanced joint damage—we may discuss surgical intervention. But this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.

We offer several surgical approaches, including:

• Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure that flushes out inflammation and improves joint movement
• Arthroscopy: A camera-guided procedure to evaluate and treat joint issues through tiny incisions
• Open-joint surgery: Reserved for severe cases involving tumors, scarring, or structural deformity

Our philosophy? Surgery is a tool, not a first step. But when used correctly, it can make a lasting impact.

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Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for TMJ Care?

Your TMJ is more than a sore spot—it’s part of a highly specialized joint system that requires an in-depth understanding. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we have advanced training in facial anatomy, joint function, and surgical techniques that allow us to treat complex TMJ disorders in Yakima WA with confidence.

Whether your treatment is simple or complex, you’ll have a team that knows exactly what to do—and more importantly, when to do it.

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Start With a Conversation—Not a Commitment

If your jaw has been bothering you and you’ve been brushing it off, consider this your sign to take it seriously. TMJ problems rarely resolve on their own, and waiting can make treatment more complex.

We’re here at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to answer your questions, take a closer look, and help you move forward with a plan that works for your body and your life.

Because jaw pain doesn’t just affect how you eat or talk—it affects how you live.